Normally, one of the most exciting things about travelling is to get away from home in order to be in a new space; to wake up in a new bed, to brush your teeth in a new bathroom, or to be spoiled with not having to clean or cook. Sometimes, though, after being on the go constantly and always being in a new bed, we yearn for our own home comforts, and to feel like we belong to a space. Travelling and being on the go can be super fun, but sometimes (for your own sanity) it is worthwhile to take some steps to make yourself more “at home”. If for nothing else, then just to have some Instagram-worthy travel moments to capture! Recently, during our stay at the glorious Fairmont Palliser Hotel in downtown Calgary, we tried a few easy hacks to claim the Royal Suite as our own, and now, we are sharing four simple but powerful ways that you – the savvy luxury traveller that you are! – can transform any accommodations you have throughout the world into your very own personal oasis.
FRESH BLOOMS
Ordering or picking up a bouquet of fresh flowers brings life into a space, hotel or not. The smell of your favourite fresh flowers can make a space instantly more relatable to you and make it feel like your home. Especially when you are travelling by yourself, a few fresh blooms can just brighten your mood, and will definitely elevate the luxury feel of your surroundings. A whole bouquet is not necessary, just grab a stem or two of your go-to flowers, and you’re set. Even if you don’t have vases – and maybe don’t want to ask for any – just utilize the different glasses or ‘potential’ vases you can find in the room, like we did here. These hacks aren’t meant to over complicate, but to make living easier and more chic while travelling.
FAVOURITE SCENTS
Usually when you visit somewhere – be it a home, a restaurant, or a business – the scent of the space definitely makes an impact on you. Is there a luxury candle you like to burn in your home, or do you love soaking in a beautifully scented bath? Bring your favourite candle or bath bomb to make the hotel even more comfortable and treat your body and mind with something that seems familiar in between the ins and outs of hotels, trains and airplanes. The gentle lull and flicker of your favourite candle is remarkably peaceful and also instantly luxe.
FILL THE SPACE
So often, frequent travellers take the term ‘living out of a suitcase’ too literally. Fill the spaces provided in your hotel room with all your stuff. Instead of digging through folded heaps of clothes in a half-empty suitcase, and then having to iron and primp things constantly, take a moment to unpack and organize your belongings. Put on your favourite tunes for this, and just take a moment to fill the space – both literally and in your mind. Truly settle in and utilize the closet space – hang clothes, use the shelves for shoes and bags, and undergarments can live in the drawers. Normally at home, closets are overflowing, so when you are traveling, bask in the luxury of ‘endless’ closet space. Getting ready will feel like you are at home, and you never know what will inspire you to dress in the morning!
WORK SPACE
Personally, I always travel with my laptop, day-planner, iPad, a notebook and my favourite set of pens. Usually, all of this is stuffed into my hand luggage and instead of piling it up in a corner, one of my favourite things to do in any hotel room is to completely unpack and lay out all my work tools and gadgets. Remember to ask for the wifi password at check in to set up all your devices. I love being able to work on the go as I would at home, and again, laying out everything makes for a more efficient and productive stay.
The most important component of making yourself feel like home the next time you are traveling is to choose the right hotel. Don’t be afraid to check with the front desk what they are able to accommodate gratis such as use of a steamer, or a nightly shoe shine service (available in all Fairmont Gold properties). Although most hotel rooms come standard with a desk/work space, a closet with shelves, and a few drinking glasses, taking these small extra steps can truly transform your stay while away from home. They definitely did for us during our stay at the Fairmont Palliser for our #KCCreativeProject launch weekend in Calgary.
IN GENEROUS COLLABORATION WITH THE FAIRMONT PALLISER
CLOTHING PROVIDED BY BLU’S
